Truck accidents are some of the most devastating motor vehicle collisions out there. Because of the sheer size and weight of these trucks, even a seemingly minor accident can have devastating consequences. Determining liability in these types of accidents can be complex, so if you’re injured by a truck, it’s important to speak to a personal injury lawyer who can help determine if you have a claim and are entitled to compensation. For legal assistance, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are often caused by a combination of negligent behavior and external circumstances. Some common causes of truck accidents include:
Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers must adhere to strict driving hours regulations, but some are tempted to drive longer than legally allowed in order to make more money or get ahead in their schedule. This can lead to driver fatigue, which is one of the leading causes of truck accidents.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to run safely and efficiently. If a trucking company fails to maintain its vehicles properly, it could lead to an accident due to brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues.
Inadequate Training: All commercial truck drivers must receive adequate training, but sometimes they do not receive proper instruction before hitting the roads with a large tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicles. Inadequately trained drivers may be more likely to cause an accident due to their lack of experience behind the wheel.
Speeding: Speeding is another major cause of truck accidents, as it increases the risk that a driver will lose control and crash into another vehicle or object. The weight and size of a large truck make it difficult to stop as is; when you add in speeding, it makes it much more likely that an accident will occur.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
The severity and type of injury sustained in a truck accident can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the size and weight of both vehicles involved and whether occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of impact. Some common types of injuries associated with truck collisions include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Internal bleeding/organ damage
- Death
Potential Liability After a Truck Accident
When someone has been injured in a truck accident caused by another person’s negligence, they may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury claim against one or more parties who could be liable for their damages. Depending on the circumstances surrounding an accident, potential defendants could include:
The Truck Driver
The truck driver is usually the first party to be held responsible after an accident. They can be found liable if they were driving recklessly, were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or were otherwise negligent while behind the wheel. The driver should also be held accountable if they failed to maintain their vehicle properly or violated federal regulations regarding hours of service and rest periods.
The Trucking Company That Employs the Driver
If it was discovered that the company did not properly train its drivers or otherwise encouraged negligent behavior of their drivers, then they could also potentially face legal action from victims of an accident caused by one of their drivers.
The Company Who Loaded The Goods Onto The Trailer
If goods loaded onto a trailer shifted during transport causing an imbalance that led to an accident, then the company who loaded those goods can potentially be held liable as well. Companies must ensure that all cargo is secured properly before being transported so as to not cause any danger on the roadways. Failure to do so can result in serious accidents with severe consequences for all involved parties.
A Third Party Involved in the Crash
In some cases, a third-party driver may also be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident. This could include anything from violating traffic laws by not yielding at an intersection or engaging in distracted driving activities like texting while driving. If it is determined that their negligence caused your accident, then you may have grounds for a personal injury claim against them as well.
A Manufacturer Who Made Defective Parts Used In Either Vehicle
A truck accident claim can become increasingly complex when it is determined that the accident occurred because of defective parts in either vehicle involved in the crash. This could include defective brake parts or anything else that causes an accident. In this case, the manufacturer could be one of the defendants.
Why You Should Work With Rodriguez & Associates For Your Truck Accident Claim
When you’ve been hurt and need a lawyer, it can be hard to know who to turn to and where to start. If you are searching for a personal injury lawyer after being involved in a truck accident, look no further than Rodriguez & Associates. Here’s why working with us is a good idea:
- We understand how difficult it can be when you’ve been injured. That’s why we prioritize our client’s needs first and foremost – providing compassionate representation from the moment you step through the door until your case is completely resolved.
- With over 100 years of combined experience among our attorneys, Rodriguez & Associates has seen it all when it comes to truck accident cases. This wealth of knowledge translates directly into higher-quality representation for our clients, allowing us to provide positive outcomes.
- Over the years we have recovered millions of dollars in settlements for our clients – and we will do everything in our power to do the same for you too. We know that getting an appropriate settlement can make a world of difference in allowing you to heal from your injuries, so we will always fight tirelessly on your behalf.
If you need legal assistance after being involved in a truck accident, contact Rodriguez & Associates today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced truck accident lawyers.